The West Wing Season 5 Episode 1 Synopsis

Seven hours have passed since Zoey's kidnapping, and all eyes are on the situation as the world waits for news. After Bartlet evoked the 25th Amendment, Speaker of the House Glenallen Walken, now acting president, reviews military options upon receiving a ransom note from the terrorists. For Zoey's safe return, the terrorists demand that U.S. troops pull out from Saudi Arabia and Qumar as well as the release of Pakistani terrorists. Meanwhile, the staff worries that Walken will order military action against Qumar; Charlie stays with Bartlet instead of serving acting President Walken; Danny threatens to release a story about the sleepytime of an official from Qumar; Josh continues to search for Vice Presidential candidates for when Bartlet returns to office; and Toby and Will prepare two speeches -- one if Zoey is alive and one if she isn't.

Episode Viewers and Ratings

Season 5 Episode 1 of The West Wing resulted in a 0.00 rating in the 18-49 demographic.

The West Wing Season 5 Episodes...

• s05e01 - 7A WF 83429
• s05e02 - The Dogs of War
• s05e03 - Jefferson Lives
• s05e04 - Han
• s05e05 - Constituency of One
• s05e06 - Disaster Relief
• s05e07 - Separation of Powers
• s05e08 - Shutdown
• s05e09 - Abu el Banat
• s05e10 - The Stormy Present
• s05e11 - The Benign Prerogative
• s05e12 - Slow News Day
• s05e13 - The Warfare of Genghis Khan
• s05e14 - An Khe
• s05e15 - Full Disclosure
• s05e16 - Eppur Si Muove
• s05e17 - The Supremes
• s05e18 - Access
• s05e19 - Talking Points
• s05e20 - No Exit
• s05e21 - Gaza
• s05e22 - Memorial Day

The West Wing Show Summary

In a unique glimpse of the inner-workings of Presidential politics, The West Wing takes viewers inside the White House and follows the lives of the staff as they help President Jed Bartlet make the crucial decisions that shape the nation and the world around it. Working closely with the President are close friend and Chief of Staff Leo McGarry; Deputy Chief of Staff Josh Lyman; Josh's assistant Donna Moss; Communications Director Toby Ziegler; and his Deputy, Sam Seaborn; Press Secretary C.J. Cregg; First Lady Abbey Bartlet; and Charlie Young, Bartlet's Personal Aide.

As season 6 unfolded, the show shifted its focus from the current administration to the Arnold Vinick vs. Matthew Santos race for the presidency, presidential election, and transition to the new administration from the Bartlet administration.